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You probably know a lot about cancer. But how knowledgeable are you about breast cancer? If you have or are caring for someone who has this disease, you will want to familiarize yourself with all the facts.
As you may know, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Although it may develop any time after puberty, it is uncommon before age 35. While the cause of breast cancer is unknown, its high incidence in women links it to estrogen. Women more likely to develop breast cancer include those who:
- Have a family history of breast cancer.
- Have a history of reproductive system cancer.
- Begin menses early or menopause late.
- Were first pregnant after age 35.
- Are Caucasian of middle or upper socioeconomic class.
- Are under constant stress or undergo unusual disturbances in their home or work lives.
Breast cancer occurs more frequently in the left breast than in the right breast, and more often in the upper outer quadrant. How quickly it spreads varies from woman to woman. Men can also have breast cancer, but this is relatively uncommon. Theoretically, slow-growing breast cancer may take up to 8 years to become palpable at 3/8 inch (1 cm) in diameter. In the meantime, it can spread by way of the lymphatic system and the bloodstream through the right side of the heart to the lungs, liver, bones, adrenal glands, kidneys and brain.
Types of breast cancer are classified according to histologic appearance and lesion location.
Common types include:
- Intraductal (the most common type). Develops within the ducts.
- Adenocarcinoma. Develops in the breast epithelium.
- Inflammatory. Develops and spreads rapidly, causing underlying skin edema, inflammation, and induration.
- Paget's Disease (very rare). Develops in the nipple, causing nipple erosion and bleeding.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER
If you or the person you are caring for has breast cancer, she may have one or more of these signs and symptoms:
- A lump or mass in the breast (a hard stony mass is usually malignant).
- A change in breast symmetry or size.
- A change in the appearance or texture of breast skin; for example, thickening, dimpling, edema (peau d'orange), or ulcerations.
- An isolated change in breast skin temperature; for example, a warm, hot, or pink area.
- Unusual discharge or drainage from the nipple.
- A change in the nipple's appearance, including erosion or retraction.
- Itching or burning in the nipple area.
- Breast pain.
- Bone metastases, pathologic bone fracture, and hypercalcemia.
If your health care provider suspects you or the person you are caring for has breast cancer, she/he may order mammography, xeromammography, ultrasonography, or thermography in addition to a surgical biopsy to confirm her/his suspicions. Be prepared to assist as needed.
MOONDRAGON'S BREAST CANCER LINKS
Learning About Breast Surgery
Understanding Breast Tumor Staging
Familiarizing Yourself With Diagnostic Techniques
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Guide To Types of Mastectomies
Patient Preparation For A Mastectomy
Mastectomy Care After Surgery
Learning About Breast Reconstruction
Selecting A Prosthesis
Applying An Arm Sleeve and Gauntlet
Preventing Complications After A Mastectomy
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Cancer
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